Why and How Nonfiction Writers Build Authority with a Blog

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I believe all writers in this day and age should have a blog to help them build author’s platform and promote their books. For nonfiction writers, however, a blog provides a tool for creating expert status.

A few years ago, Technorati.com conducted a survey and found that 56 percent of all bloggers felt their blogs helped them establish a position as a thought leader within an industry. Additionally, 58 percent said they were better-known in their industry because of their blog.

That means they became experts simply by blogging. They gained “authority.” For an aspiring nonfiction author, that’s an important thing to have. It will help you land a traditional publishing deal, sell more self-published books and build a business around your book.

Chris has gained some authority for himself by blogging on the business of new media and online business with the aim of teaching small and solo businesses ways to create compelling resources, provide audiences more value, build trust and loyalty, and generate more revenue. An online business consultant, teacher, coach, new media industry commentator, and speaker, he helps smaller businesses and solo-entrepreneurs profit from their skills, knowledge and experience, achieve more with online media, and grow audiences of people who know, like and trust them. Because of this I asked him to write a foreword to my book, How to Blog a Book: Write, Publish, and Promote Your Work One Post at a Time.

Here’s what Chris had to say about becoming an authority blogger.

What does it mean to be an authority blogger?

Unlike regular blogging, where you might be just sharing your thoughts, opinions on the news, or funny stories, Authority Bloggers share the benefit of what they know with people who want to learn more. People seek you out for advice and help. It’s not about being “The” expert but being seen as someone who has valuable information, experience or expertise to share.

How does blogging in this manner benefit a nonfiction writer or an aspiring nonfiction author?

If you want your book to sell, then it really helps to build an audience of people who want to hear from you because you build a ready market. And if you treat them well they will spread the word for you. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to get good first day sales numbers and lots of reviews from this audience either!

How might becoming an authority blogger benefit a business person or someone wanting to build a business around their nonfiction book?

By being the go-to person you will inevitably get more business inquiries, but also having a book makes for a great introduction. But how do you maintain that relationship? Having a blog gives you a place to invite people back to and a way to keep in touch with your prospects and customers, especially when combined with an email list.

What three tips do you have for effectively becoming an authority blogger or creating an authority blog?

Know your audience and what they most want or need help with.

Define your value to that audience in relation to their goals and needs.

Create content that helps the audience you identified and deepens your relationship with them.

Nina Amir, the Inspiration to Creation Coach, inspires writers and bloggers to create published products and careers as authors. Additionally, she helps her clients and readers achieve their potential, fulfill their purpose and make a positive and meaningful difference with their words. She is the author of How to Blog a Book, The Author Training Manual, and Creative Visualization for Writers, all published by Writer’s Digest Books. As a hybrid author, she also has published 17 books independently. She is a nonfiction book editor and doctor, proposal consultant, and an Author Coach and Trainer as well as a Book and Blog Coach. Some of her clients have sold 320,000+ copies of their books and been published by major publishing houses. Nina also is an award winning blogger and journalist, international speaker and founder of National Nonfiction Writing Month, also known as the Write Nonfiction in November Challenge, and the Nonfiction Writers’ University. Also a Certified High Performance Coach, Nina strives to help creative people Achieve More Inspired Results personally and professionally.

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